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Body found in Chatham pond that of missing man

CHATHAM — The body of man found in a remote pond in the town of Chatham Monday night has been identified as that of Benjamin Kaufmann, 33, who went missing three weeks ago, State Police said Tuesday.

Police said their preliminary investigation shows Kaufmann died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The search started on Aug. 6 after family members said Kaufmann was late to return from a hike. Several organized searches using multiple agencies, aircraft and police dogs failed to find him.

"This investigation has been extensive in that it not only involved local searches, but the follow-up of numerous leads outside Columbia County," Capt. Michael A. Jankowiak, Zone One commander, said in a statement. "Although Mr. Kaufmann may have been depressed, there was credible evidence that he was seeking assistance outside of Columbia County. It was not readily apparent whether he had left the area."

Shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, authorities got a report of a dead person in the pond.

"So many people, from so many agencies dedicated themselves to searching for Mr. Kaufmann over the past 3 weeks. Our thoughts are with the Kaufmann family during this difficult time," Jankowiak said.